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Clear Your Closets for Charity
by Debbie Williams
With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are clearing out the clutter to make room for even more stuff. Parents are purging their kids' closets to make room for Santa's goodies, and optimistic dads are cleaning out the coat closet to allow room for that new jacket. But what can be done with the outcasts? Whatever can be gained from cleaning out our closets and outgrown clothes hiding under the beds?
SHARE THE WEALTH
The holiday season presents us with the perfect opportunity to teach our kids about sharing with others less fortunate, learning that less is more, and one can indeed have too many tee shirts and race car sets. Mom and Dad can jump on the de-cluttering bandwagon by purging the pantry, dropping off unused canned goods and other non-perishables at the local mission. And the clearing doesn't stop there-- almost storage areas in your house uncover a goldmine of items: blankets and sheets in the linen closet are invaluable for the homeless, basic kitchen utensils provide battered women with a new start, and outgrown clothes are eagerly received by thrift shops.
Young children need you to explain that you're not giving away ALL their toys, but older ones (preschool and up) will be happy to help you sort and purge toys from the discard pile. Adolescents can sort their outgrown clothing, and teens will be more than happy to turn over last year's coat. Include your family in the decision to donate to local charities, and teach them the value of all those items on their new holiday wish list while you're at it.
RECYCLING PAYS
Is your holiday gift budget a bit slim this year? Start your closet cleaning as early as possible and drop off slightly used clothes and toys at your favorite resale shop. Not only does this make room in your closet for new items, but it provides you with the means to buy those new blue jeans and Playstation games, too.
Are the kids balking at the thought of giving toys away, unable to part with a plethora of playthings? Entice them with payola-- let them keep the monies received from the sale of their outgrown clothes and discarded toys.
NEW TRADITIONS
Although this seems bizarre to those of us bombarded with the commercialism of holiday gift giving, consider creating new traditions for your family this year. One family I know continues the tradition of the wise men, giving their children 3 gifts each Christmas. Others spend Christmas Eve delivering handmade crafts and baked goods to area nursing homes. Maybe your children will enjoy giving a new toy to a child in the hospital. Or you can make extra feast portions at Thanksgiving to drop off at the mission.
Whatever your motives, holidays are indeed for sharing; not just our pocketbooks, but our hearts and gifts. Sharing outcast toys, recycling clothes, and redistributing gently used house wares teaches your children the gift of giving, and enables them to truly understand the spirit of the season. Involving them in the preparation helps them curb their appetite for what they don't have, enabling them to be content with what they DO have. Happy Organizing!
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About the Author
Debbie Williams is an author and organizing expert who offers tools and training to help you put your life in order. Learn more practical tips like these in her book, Organized Kidz (By the Book Media, September 2005).
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